Finnish Federation / May 2012 - Contributor: Kati Clements, Jyvaskyla Branch

Celebrating 40 Years of Shorinji Kempo in Finland

























On the 18th to the 20th of May 2012, 103 kenshis and 3 Senseis from Europe and Japan gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary year of Shorinji Kempo in Finland. Shorinji Kempo was started in Finland by Sakata Fumiyasu Sensei from Rakuto doin, in 1972. The first dojo was in Jyvaskyla, where also this anniversary gasshuku took place. We were delighted to see Head of European Shorinji Kempo, Aosaka Sensei, 8th dan arrive to teach from Paris, France. Also the two Morikawa sensei brothers, Kazuhito and Hirohito, 7th Dan from Rakuto doin, Kyoto honored Finland and the roots of Shorinji Kempo here with their presence.

The gasshuku attracted wide European interest and we had 33 kenshis visiting from Sweden, Germany and UK. Overall, 15 Branch Masters were present. This was an excellent opportunity for higher level kenshis to practice within their peers, which is not always possible with only a few kenshis in each country with for example the grades of 5th or 4th Dans. The main theme of the gasshuku was 'less talking, more practicing', as it's part of the Finnish culture not to be too talkative, we thought this would be the right spirit for our anniversary.

The practice hours were six on both Saturday and Sunday with the prequel of three hours warm-up on Friday night. After the gasshuku, no one complained that there was not enough time to learn. Visiting senseis did an amazing job of continuous teaching for eager learners - together and within level groups. Two Gakka hours were presented by Aosaka Sensei and Kazuhito sensei and the Morikawa brothers performed their embu as a surprise reward to those attending the gasshuku still on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday night, a gala dinner was arranged where the festivities included some pictures throughout the history of Shorinji Kempo in Finland and of course some speeches of remembering the past. From one branch, Shorinji Kempo in Finland has grown to nine Branches and three friendship clubs currently. The main areas of practicing Shorinji Kempo in Finland are still Central Finland and Helsinki areas.

Overall the spirit of the weekend was high and it was a great feeling seeing all the hard work behind the arrangements come into action on the faces of multinational kenshis. We sent them home with some bruises and grins - that's the Finnish hospitality. We hope to see old and new friends again soon. Thank you all for making this gasshuku one of the most memorable in the history of Shorinji Kempo in Finland.

Kati Clements (former Maki-Kuutti)
2.Dan, Jyvaskyla, Finland

 

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